Objectives

The primary objective is to procure high-quality, durable wooden walking sticks to assist adult patients in maintaining mobility and safety within Addington Hospital. The procurement aims to fulfill immediate clinical support needs while adhering to provincial health department standards and promoting local economic development through structured preferential procurement policies.

Scope

The contract encompasses the supply and delivery of fifty (50) units of adult wooden walking sticks to Addington Hospital. The quotation validity period is ninety (90) days from the closing deadline. Successful bidders must deliver new, unused goods that remain valid for a minimum of six months upon delivery. The evaluation utilizes an 80/20 preference point system, allocating 80 points to price competitiveness and 20 points to socio-economic goals, specifically prioritizing South African-owned enterprises.

Technical Requirements

Bidders must submit a physical sample for pre-award evaluation. The walking sticks must strictly comply with the following specifications:

• Constructed from strong, durable, good-quality hardwood suitable for regular hospital and patient use.
• Feature a straight, sturdy wooden shaft approximately 900–950 mm in length, completely free from cracks, splits, splinters, sharp edges, knots, or structural defects.
• Incorporate an ergonomically shaped or curved wooden handle that is smoothly sanded, polished, sealed, or varnished to ensure a comfortable and secure grip.
• Equipped with a heavy-duty, non-slip rubber ferrule at the base that is securely fitted, replaceable, and commercially available.
• Be lightweight yet provide adequate strength and stability for adult use; suppliers must explicitly declare the maximum recommended user weight or load capacity.
• Comply with applicable manufacturer quality and product safety standards, ensuring fitness for intended adult patient use.
• Meet relevant SABS/SANS specifications where applicable. Expired or second-hand products are strictly prohibited.

Skills and Capacity Requirements

While no specialized technical skills are mandated, bidders must demonstrate operational capacity and full compliance with statutory procurement frameworks:

• Proven delivery track record, evidenced by at least one previous order and signed delivery note from either private or public healthcare facilities.
• Full registration and verification on the Central Suppliers Database (CSD), accompanied by a valid Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) status certificate or sworn affidavit.
• Tax compliance validation via SARS PIN or official clearance certificate.
• If classified as a regulated medical device, a valid licence from the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) authorizing manufacturing, wholesaling, or distribution.
• Financial and administrative capability to withstand performance penalties calculated at the current prime interest rate for delayed deliveries, and readiness to furnish performance security upon contract award.

Explanation of Unusual or Complicated Terms

• 80/20 Preference Point System: A standardized procurement scoring model where 80 points are awarded based on price competitiveness, and 20 points are reserved for specific socio-economic goals, primarily designed to promote historically disadvantaged and South African-owned enterprises.
• Central Suppliers Database (CSD): A national Treasury-maintained registry used to verify supplier legitimacy, tax compliance, business registration, and legal standing before any public sector contract can be legally awarded.
• SAHPRA Licensing: Regulatory authorization issued by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority, mandatory for entities manufacturing, wholesaling, or distributing medical devices or health-related products, ensuring compliance with national safety, efficacy, and quality standards.
• Performance Security: A financial guarantee (typically a bank guarantee, irrevocable letter of credit, or certified cheque) required from the successful bidder within thirty days of contract award. It secures contractual obligations and compensates the purchaser in the event of supplier default or failure to perform.